Calcineurin is an enzyme that removes the phosphate group from other proteins. It is only active when it is in a high concentration of ionic calcium.NFAT, Calcineurin and Immunosuppression: Calcineurin Activation During Visual Stimulation Science Daily: Calcineurin Helps Newborns Breathe Easy

Depending on the tissue in which the enzyme is located, it may be involved in T cell activation, fetal lung maturation and other fetal development and neural signaling.JCB Online: http://www.jbc.org/cgi/content/full/276/4/2313/F1 Signaling through calcium] Science Daily: Calcineurin Helps Newborns Breathe Easy

A calcineurin inhibitor drug is used against psoriasis and skin inflammation. It is one of the first drugs in 20 years that has successfully treated symptoms in severe cases of psoriasis. For inflammation of the skin it is often administered as a cream that is applied to inflamed skin. The calcineurin inhibitor cream reduces itching and rash by suppressing the immune system. Quest Diagnostics: Topical calcineurin inhibitors for atopic dermatitisHealthDay: New Psoriasis Pill Appears Effective